ASA 127th Meeting M.I.T. 1994 June 6-10

Measurements of tone interonset intervals in pianists' performances of
Schumann's ``Traumerei'' at three different tempi [B. H. Repp, Psychol. Res.
(in press)] have suggested approximate relational invariance of expressive
timing, but with a tendency towards reduced temporal contrast (relative
modulation depth) at a faster tempo. In this study a perceptual test was
assembled by manipulating global tempo (3 levels) and degree of temporal
contrast (5 levels) independently in a single MIDI-recorded performance of
``Traumerei.'' Skilled pianist subjects rated the resulting 15 performances on
a 10-point scale. The question was whether the same degree of temporal contrast
would be preferred at all three tempi (suggesting relational invariance), or
whether an interaction would emerge, such that smaller degrees of contrast are
preferred at faster tempi. The results may speak to the adequacy of simple
tempo controls on MIDI instruments or in performance synthesis. [Work supported
by NIMH.]